According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), 14 050 people died on South Africa’s roads in 2017, and in many cases it was small mistakes that led to such tragedy. While no-one is the perfect driver, there are certain simple mistakes to avoid making in order to stay safe on the road.
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‘The accidents that lead to fatalities are all too often the result of what motorists consider to be “minor” offences or oversights,’ says Maanda Tshifularo, head of Dialdirect Insurance. ‘If motorists across South Africa could take a critical look at their driving behaviour and make minor adjustments, we could save thousands of lives.’ These 10 common driving mistakes could have dire consequences, but here’s how we can address them:
1. Adjusting mirrors incorrectly
Side-view and rear-view mirrors help you to make split-second decisions. Ensure that they are adjusted for maximum visibility of vehicles behind you or next to you, reducing the size of your blind spot as much as possible. Invest in blind-spot mirrors if your vehicle doesn’t come equipped with them, or a blind-spot warning system.
2. Driving slowly in the fast lane
This causes frustration for vehicles behind you and could see other motorists resorting to passing you in the slower inside lane, increasing the risk of an accident. Choose the lane most appropriate for your speed and be considerate by allowing other motorists to pass.
3. Not using indicators
Indicators provide a very simple yet very valuable way for others to predict and plan around your movements. It’s best to get into the habit of signalling even when there are no other motorists around, and making sure that you cancel the indicator after using it.
4. Stopping without warning
If you suddenly spot an available parking bay, street where you need to turn or person you need to pick up, avoid slamming on the brakes. First make sure that your move allows ample warning time for the vehicle behind you. If it doesn’t, be prepared to go around, even if it costs you valuable time or a golden parking spot.
5. Leaving your high beams on
High beams or brights are great for illuminating the road, but can have a blinding effect on oncoming traffic. Always be considerate towards oncoming drivers and, if you are uneasy about what’s ahead of you, rather reduce your speed and flash the high beams briefly so that you can look ahead.
Related: 5 safety tips for women on the road
6. Having a bad seating position
A seat that is set too high or low, or too far forwards or backwards, poses a serious safety risk, as it compromises visibility and control. Make sure that your seat is adjusted in such a way that it allows good all-round visibility, sufficient headroom and easy, comfortable reach of all driver controls. You should be able to use controls like the steering wheel, gears, pedals, switches and emergency indicators to their full range of motion, and have a clear view, mirrors included, without having to lean or stretch.
7. Using daytime running lights (DRLs) at night
Many modern vehicles come equipped with DRLs, which are handy for making your vehicle more visible to oncoming traffic. They are, however, dimmer than normal lights and many vehicles’ tail lights don’t switch on when the DRLs are in use, so they are not suited for nighttime driving.
8. Using headlights at night only
A common misconception is that headlights are only there to help drivers see at night, but they are also fundamental in helping drivers to be seen by others in low-light conditions. Get into the habit of also using these lights in overcast, rainy and foggy conditions. Be extra careful with the latter, however, as using the high-beam setting in foggy conditions generally illuminates the fog instead of the road, further reducing visibility.
9. Speeding through an orange light
Although orange means ‘slow down’, too many drivers see it as a cue to ‘floor it’ in an effort to cross before the light turns red – often leading to a side-on collision or ‘T-bone’. Rather slow down, stop and wait an extra minute or so. A couple of seconds gained isn’t worth risking your own life or someone else’s life.
10. Skipping routine vehicle checks
If an indicator isn’t working, tyre pressure is too low or defoggers don’t clear windshields like they should, it could lead to anything from a bumper bashing to loss of life. Make sure that your vehicle is frequently checked and serviced at the required intervals.
From: WOW
PHOTO: iStock/Delmaine Donson
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